Over the course of the weekend, “steakholders” will work with teams and The Design Gym facilitators to rapidly prototype innovative solutions to business or consumer education challenges in the following areas:

Production:Develop tools to help small- and medium-sized ranchers more efficiently and sustainably manage herds, process meat and sell direct to consumers or wholesale buyers.

Health: Minimize or eliminate the use of antibiotics and improve animal health.

Processing: Design ways for processors to more easily demonstrate that they are complying with federal regulations, manage processing demand and access financing.

Distribution: Streamline the process of selling “non-choice” cuts of meat, and improve the efficiency and financial viability of getting meat from farm to buyer.

A panel of VCs, technology thought-leaders, journalists and industry leaders will award cash prizes and business services to the top three winning hacks. Prizes are designed to help groups continue working with steakholders to actualize their prototypes.

1st Place: The winning team will receive $2,500 to complete their hack, as well as 1/2 day strategy session with 2-3 strategists from Purpose. The topics covered could include brand strategy, movement generation, designing to drive online action, driving participation, digital and online organizing.

2nd Place: The second place team will receive a 1/2 day strategy session with 2-3 strategists from JWT. The topics covered could include brand strategy, movement generation, designing to drive online action, driving participation, digital and online organizing. The team will also receive a dinner for up to 8 people at Briskettown.

3rd Place: The third place team will receive up to 8 day passes at GRIND.